Student Accomodation
The house I live in at the moment has, well, it's own unique charms.

We thought we'd had the worst when the kitchen ceiling partially caved in just two days after we moved in. It wasn't repaired for the best part of a month.
But you know, these things happen.

Then we realised that the reason that we had no hot water was not because we'd not switched it on, but because the boiler was leaking gas.
September to December we had no hot water, we couldn't get anyone out to fix it without them speaking to the landlady, who lived in london and insisted nothing was wrong.
Well, there Could have been genuine miscommunication. I'm sure she really was sorry, and we did save on the bill.

It was on the many trips to the cellar to try and magically repair the boiler ourselves that we discovered a fucking huge hole in the cellar wall, and what seemed to be rats.
The landlady's lackey insists they are merely cellar dwelling squirrels.

So far the shower still needs fixing, the plaster is falling off the walls at random, we had two homeless coke heads in the lounge for a month (ok, so that's more my housemates fault), one of the hob rings won't turn off at all which is slightly dangerous...

but it's the latest discovery that's even more worrying.

For ages, we had bizarre issues with our electricity.
It's only recently that we discovered that when it rains or has recently been raining (and in Manchester that's a lot), turning on the hob ring that CAN be turned on and off, results in all the wall sockets in the house being fused.
Not THAT big a deal, we just reset the trip switch, but probably not safe. In fact, people I've mentioned it to seem to think that this is REALLY not safe.

So we told the landlady's lackey, and he solved the problem for us by...
pulling the knobs off the cooker!

I can't wait until we move out in June.
( Completely Underwhelmed, Tue 22 Jan 2008, 23:43, closed)

you do realise
that this is all in violation of your contract (unless you signed away all human rights) and that you are completely within your rights to refuse to pay rent until all the above are fixed?

why the hell are you still there?
(Roopy all is not what it seams, Wed 23 Jan 2008, 0:03, closed)

firstly, we're too lazy to move.
I mean, there's only 5 months to go, and ten people living here. We'd have to split up, etc.
But don't worry, we've stopped paying the rent. There have been so many issues with this 'house' that I don't think we can be made to!
( Completely Underwhelmed, Wed 23 Jan 2008, 0:07, closed)

Report
I think you should at least report this place (with photos) to your accomodation people - and your local SU...
(james_tiger_woods needs to lay off the wine on, Wed 23 Jan 2008, 0:14, closed)

well...
lets hope it doesnt get anyworse... you know that little thing called carbon monoxide...

CALL - 0800 111 999 - TRANSCO's

Gas emergency contact number - it wont cost a penny, but they'll look at/condemn - all any appliances.

They will take the landlord to court on your behalf...

Also speak to your university/union, don't be stupid - its not the 80's and the era of 'The Young Ones' anymore...

Plus you may not wish to die, in a hoval... In Manchester - your choice...
(feedingtimeatthezoo day 1 of his bikini diet started, Wed 23 Jan 2008, 0:26, closed)

my housemates are also at fault
I mean, things like this can't really be blamed on the landlady.
(yes, that is broken glass inside the loo. He was 'trying to get it to flush')
( Completely Underwhelmed, Wed 23 Jan 2008, 0:35, closed)

Sod that man
get transco on em, between gas explosion/asphyxiation/carbon monoxide poisoning/electrocution/fire/illness from damp there's an uncomfortable chance that yo won't finish the year unscathed
( greedyostrich Cheese is evil! Cheddar is VOODOO!, Wed 23 Jan 2008, 1:22, closed)

well
i'm glad you're not paying your rent. The bill for my legal advice is in the post.
(Roopy all is not what it seams, Wed 23 Jan 2008, 1:24, closed)

"ONLY 5 MONTHS TO GO NOW"
Fuck me, that is laziness and a half.
(the bear formerly known as pookie didn't go on, Wed 23 Jan 2008, 9:42, closed)

Union of carbon and oxygen
Dude, seriously, call the gas company and get the place checked over. I've seen enough episodes of Watchdog to know that carbon monoxide is a silent killer.
(ToysForBigBoys would fuck the Tory out of David Cameron., Wed 23 Jan 2008, 13:18, closed)